Hitops Inc.

Filing Period

Jul 1, 2011 to Jun 30, 2012

Signed

May 8, 2013

Return Version

2011v1.5

Gross Receipts

$882,303

Major Activities

Activity 2

Health ServicesThe J. Seward Johnson Sr. Center for Adolescent Health saw 701 clients in FY2012. Annually each client completes a comprehensive intake form and is screened for risk behaviors and mental health issues. The clinics Nurse Practitioners use the forms as a starting point for consultation, treatment and referrals.To better serve its clients, HiTOPS overhauled its process for collecting data: from the client intake form to data entry and the database. Princeton University Business Volunteers helped staff improve HiTOPS ability to capture medical history, risk and behavior assessment, and screening for depression and eating disorders. Volunteer Sebastian Antony redeveloped the database to match the form and increase reporting options.Staff utilize reports to identify trends and adapt services to fit client needs, and secure contributions. For example, a report on violent behavior showed that:12% of clients reported that they had been in an abusive relationship8% of clients had experienced sexual touching against their will7% of clients experienced sexual penetration against their willFrom a separate report on depression, HiTOPS learned that:19% said much/most/all of the time they experienced low mood, sadness, feeling blah or down, depressed, just can't be bothered14% said much/most/all of the time they experienced feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, letting people down, not being a good person5% said they occasionally/frequently had thoughts, plans or actions about suicide or self-harmSince HiTOPS opened its doors in 1987, the cost of healthcare has tripled. The gap between what services cost and what our young clients can pay widens every year. Give the Gift of Health campaign, led by Board President Art Ferrara, sought to reduce the financial barrier for young adults, and brought in $8,795 which benefitted 88 youth who were unable to pay for services. HiTOPS corporate partners help to address the most urgent health challenges for todays youth. Bristol-Myers Squibb, Church and Dwight Employee Giving Campaign, Johnson & Johnson, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals each provided critical support that benefits our communitys most vulnerable populations;those who are at greatest risk for pregnancy, HIV and STIs through accessible health education and clinical care at a time in their lives when they need it most.With grant support from Curtis McGraw Foundation, J. Seward Johnson, Sr. 1963 Charitable Trust, the Fred C. Rummel Foundation and Princeton Area Community Foundation, HiTOPS successfully piloted satellite sites on college campuses at Mercer County Community College on the James Kerney Campus in Trenton and the West Windsor Campus. College students are a high risk population for unplanned pregnancies, STIs and other health compromising behaviors yet they are typically medically underserved and underinsured. Seventy-nine young adults benefitted from overall health assessment, consultations and treatment.Additionally, these grant funds supported HiTOPS efforts to work closely with Capitol County Childrens Collaborative, RISE and All Access Mental Health on the most effective ways to help their young clients learn the consequences to actions and identify when they need healthcare. Staff educators were joined by Teen Council peer educators to teach 788 youth at these community sites and in two Juvenile Justice Center residential community homes in Hunterdon County. As a result of these partnerships, 22 new clients came to HiTOPS, many with complex emotional and mental health issues.HiTOPS is now approved to administer Rapid HIV testing. Instead of waiting 2 weeks for test results, clients now only wait 15 minutes for results and consultation.

Activity 3

SupportHiTOPS promotes positive youth development by meeting kids where they are developmentally, culturally, emotionally, socially and geographically. HiTOPS values young people as assets, not as problems, and successfully engages youth in their own health and well-being through acceptance, respect, trust and non-judgment. In addition, HiTOPS nurtures peer leaders and role models through extensive training and opportunities for teaching in the community. Lastly, HiTOPS fosters supportive child-adult connections by educating parents, training teachers, and providing ongoing support and services.PROMOTE POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Meet Kids Where They AreHiTOPS partnered with other youth-serving entities to reduce barriers to healthcare, by bringing health education or clinical services to youth populations who need it most. HiTOPS continued to grow and enhance programs for juvenile detention centers, group residential homes, and community based organizations for our areas highest risk youth during 2012. From last year, there was a 72% increase in number of programs, and 50% increase in number of facilities served. 106 programs benefitted 1,066 youth at high risk for HIVValuable general operating support for HiTOPS to focus on the needs of high risk populations came from Mary Owen Borden Foundation, Gertrude L. Hirsch Charitable Trust, J. Seward Johnson, Sr. 1963 Charitable Trust, and Curtis McGraw Foundation.Over the years, HiTOPS has earned a reputation for its innovative and cost-effective strategies for reducing health risks for high risk youth. As a result there was an increase in government contracts for providing risk-reduction education to kids deemed highest risk for HIV and unplanned pregnancy. The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services funded 8 sessions of Street Smart, an evidenced based program in HIV risk-reduction.The NJ Department of Education trained and contracted HiTOPS to provide SHARP (Sexual Health and Adolescent Risk Prevention) a proven effective program for decreasing HIV and alcohol related risk behaviors for incarcerated youth. 58 youth in Camden and Ocean County Youth Detention Centers benefitted from 12 three-hour sessions.PROMOTE POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Supportive Adult/Child ConnectionsHiTOPS is the only provider of LGBT support focused exclusively for youth in central New Jersey. In addition to the bi-monthly support group, First & Third for LGBT youth, HiTOPS provides an LGBT-friendly clinic, Teen Council workshops on homophobia reduction, and workplace and school programs to create safer environments for todays more diverse employee and student populations.Last year, HiTOPS received an unprecedented number of requests for information on gender identity and expression and how to address the needs of transgender youth. As a result, education staff presented 41 programs of Understanding Differences, 30% of which focused on how to create safe environments for transgender youth.Student responses to Understanding Differences: What are the 3 things you could do to make your school a safer place for everyone? Stick up for kids that are different. Invite them to lunch.Start sex education earlier.Stand up for people who are being harassed.Talk with my friends so they understand gender stuff.Respect the feelings and choices of others.Do not assume anything.Let people know its ok to be who they are.The Albin Family Foundation supported First & Third, a bi-monthly support group for LGBT youth to talk with peers and adults. In its 16th year, the program benefitted 268 kids, ages 13 to 22, from 29 high schools, 6 colleges/universities and a group of homeschooled youth. This years group, including four transgender youth, participated in discussions and focus groups to help adults work effectively with LGBT youth.WHYY taped a discussion on how they felt the NJ anti-bullying law had affected their school in terms of being LGBT. To hear some of the interviews, you can go to News Works on WHYYResearchers

Filer

EIN

22-3486441